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How much child support should you expect to pay in Ohio?

On Behalf of | Mar 1, 2022 | Family Law |

If you divorce your spouse and have children together, there is a chance that you’ll need to pay child support. Child support orders require you to pay a specific amount of money per money or within a timeframe that is agreed upon. These regular payments are designed to help provide for your child and to make sure they have the financial support of both parents.

Child support orders are issued in nearly all divorce cases in Ohio. You should expect to have one in your case, too. For that reason, it’s a good idea to learn more about what to expect.

Factors that impact child support

There are many factors that could affect child support in Ohio. Some of the most common factors that could change how much you pay include:

  • If you have a job or are unemployed
  • If you are underemployed
  • If you are self-employed
  • If you just started a new job
  • Your annual salary
  • Your child’s needs
  • Any other children you have and your financial responsibility to them

These and other factors may influence the amount of money that the state expects you to pay.

Using the state’s child support calculator

Ohio does offer a child support calculator that you can use if you earn less than $336,000 annually. If you earn over that amount, you may need to work out child support through negotiations or other methods in court.

To use the calculator, you will need to explain if you are setting up a sole, shared or split parenting schedule. You’ll input how many children you have and if you have children who are not shared with your spouse. Stating who the residential or custodial parent is will also make a difference.

For example, if Parent A has an income of $50,000 and Parent B has an income of $30,000, the difference in income may result in Parent A paying around $550 a month for a single child. This is a simplified calculation, as there are many factors to consider, but you can input yours to get an idea of what to expect in advance of your negotiations or court hearings.